What Was I Thinking!!

 I have been at this a long time! 20 years in fact. I have had a lot of fun over the years and had my share of recognition when this medium was new.  Last year things changed. All of this that I loved turned into a grind and I entertained the idea of retiring.  I dumped most of my social media, didn't renew any of my items on Etsy, didn't apply to any shows and I got a job!!

That lasted about five months and I got the itch again. I have a studio full of tie dye, jewelry, crochet and I just couldn't let it sit there. I didn't know what to do with it all. I crept back on to social media, but at a different pace this time, on my terms, where I wasn't in a grind. I think all the social media pressure is what pushed me over the edge. I was already in burn out from family care and loss and I didn't let myself grieve, I just kept pushing, kept creating. 

So here I am, back at my blog, dusting off the keyboard and settling back in to where it all started. Does anyone blog anymore? Let's bring it back shall we!

I want to use my blog to share with you my latest projects, where I am showing, what is the newest items in my stores (yes plural, I have three), vacations, ups and downs, just all of it. 

Back to the title, "What was I Thinking" I have accepted the challenge of separating my Etsy store into three stores of my work. My original store JustATish Designs for jewelry will stay the same. I have also added JustATish Tie Dye and JustATish Crochets. I found having all of my items in one store was just to cluttered and hard to navigate. I also got feedback from shoppers that conveyed the same.  I honestly feel like I can breathe a little easier and I am not as overwhelmed by doing this. (Well overwhelmed re posting all of the items, but it is a labor of love, right??)

Here is the first of many posts that may take a minute for me to get into a rhythm on when to post, but I am excited again, and that feels good. While I am working out my schedule, check the links to the right for links to my store, my social media and where I will be showing. 

In the meantime, check out my latest "Tie Dye Along With Me" upload to my YouTube Channel!

And remember. Be peaceful. Be kind. It's important!

Talk to you soon!!! 

Volunteering - An Important Part of My Work, and What I Do

Have you every thought to yourself, what can I do to make a difference, then stop yourself short because you don't have a lot of money.

Giving is not always about money.

Your time is as much of a generous gift as a monetary donation.

You may have a special talent that you can donate  - singing, dancing, puppetry, design, baking - pick one and share it.

You may have an knack for listening - so many people what to be heard, and know they matter - share it

You work so hard, and you want to spend time with your family, but you can't get everyone on the same page - Volunteer as a family!

My dog Rose and I  volunteer - 30 minutes 2x a week at assisted living facilities in our area. I am not a dog trainer, I was blessed with a great dog who loves to love. I am sharing her and she lights up a room. She doesn't do special tricks to entertain. What she does is give you a soft head or back to rub your troubles away on. She can carry that burden away for you - she is a dog and doesn't hold onto that energy. She lets it go in the wind when we walk, or leaves it in the grass with a good leg kicking, snorting roll.

 Rose is always so glad to see you, and from our visits, they are happy to see Rose too.

A quick Google search can show you volunteer needs in your community, or you can start with these national sites that help you connect locally.

Volunteer Match

National Service

Habitat for Humanity


 Think about giving, and share who you are. You are so important and have so much to offer, it is a shame to keep it all to yourself!